A Healthy Super Bowl Party? Touchdown!

The countdown to Super Bowl XLV has begun! Will it be the Packers or the Steelers? Either way, we've got you covered when it comes to the party! It's not too late to order wings, BBQ or meat/cheese platters from our deli. If you prefer to make your own platters, we have Thumann's Black Forest Ham and American Cheese on sale this month. Plus, Wild Caught Shrimp, Boursin Cheese and Chocolate Dipped Strawberries. Super Bowl parties are traditionally laden with high fat, high calorie processed foods, but yours doesn't have to be. Best of all, you can still serve traditional game day foods that are healthy and full of flavor! These recipes are sure to score big!

Green Chili

Baked Buffalo Wings

Avocado and Yogurt Deviled Eggs

Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Spicy Peel and Eat Shrimp

Creamy Spinach Dip

Garlic and Herb Pita Chips

Baked Kale Chips

Party eco-responsibly and go local! Try these beers, all brewed in North Carolina!

Catawba Valley Brewing Company

Highland Brewing Company

Craggie Brewing Company

Boone Brewing

Carolina Beer Company

Mother Earth Brewing

The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery

Bigg Boss Brewing Company

Thomas Creek Brewery

French Broad Brewery

Kind Beers

For more tips on making your party healthy not only for your guests, but also for the environment, please check out this past blog Game Day Done the Green Way.

Meatless Monday: Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients

6 cups water
1 tablespoon vegan chicken base bouillon
1/2 small onion, chopped
1 medium leek, white and a little of the green part, sliced into 1/8″ rounds
2 medium carrots, sliced into 1/8″ rounds
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon granulated onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 7-ounce package Gardein chick’n filets, diced
2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
4 ounces dried whole wheat linguine noodles

Directions

1. Dissolve the bouillon in one cup of boiling water, set aside.
2. Heat the oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions and leeks, sauté until translucent. Add the carrots and celery and sauté for 2 minutes.
3. Add the bouillon broth and the rest of the water, bay leaves, granulated onion and salt and pepper to taste. Increase the heat to bring to a boil, then turn down to simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. Add the veggie chicken pieces, parsley and the noodles broken into thirds. Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer for 10 minutes. Discard the bay leaves before serving.

Note: Frontier's "Chicken" Flavored Broth Powder can be substituted for the boullion and Quorn (Non-Soy) "Chicken" Tenders can be substituted for the Gardein Chick'n.

Meatless Monday: Portabello Mushroom Burgers

Ingredients

4 portobello mushroom caps
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon minced garlic
salt and pepper to taste
4 (1 ounce) slices provolone cheese

Directions

1.Place the mushroom caps, smooth side up, in a shallow dish. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil, basil, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour over the mushrooms. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes or so, turning twice.
2.Preheat grill for medium-high heat.
3.Brush grate with oil. Place mushrooms on the grill, reserving marinade for basting. Grill for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, or until tender. Brush with marinade frequently. Top with cheese during the last 2 minutes of grilling.

Note: These are great topped with raw or sauteed onions, roasted red peppers, mixed greens and avocado. Also, if you don't have a grill or don't feel like braving the cold, these are just as good broiled in the oven or toaster oven. Enjoy!

Annual Health and Wellness Fair This Saturday at South End!

It's that time again! Every year, we here at Healthy Home Market, our customers and people within our community look forward to this event, our biggest of the year. This year is no different! The event begins at 1:00 pm this Saturday and runs until 4:00 pm. You can expect plenty of food samples, wine tasting, product demonstrations, product samples, practitioners, gift basket giveaways, a blood drive and a drawing for an Apple iPad! We are also excited to announce that we will be running event only specials!

We will have representatives from the following companies:

Vibranz Kombucha, Greenfield Farms, Dilworth Coffee, Barbara's Canin Cafe, MerryLiving IVPure, KW Collards, Bushelle Seasonings, Sadie's Caribbean Fish Cakes, Cara B Naturally, ZuZu Luxe Cosmetics, Nutraceuticals, Eclectic Institute, Renew Life, Jarrow Formulas, Flora, Green Magma, Gaia Herbs, Solgar, Nordic Naturals, King Bio, Ultima Replenisher, MyChelle Dermaceuticals, Barleans

We will also have the following practitioners on site:

Maximized Living Chiropractors, Scalar Wave Face Lifts w/ Susan Kotraba and Dr. Eap, Chair Massage w/ Barbara Brown, EPFX/SCIO Quick Peeks w/ Joy Fanning and Maeya Carr, Blood Pressure Screenings w/ Judy Viscount, ProHealth Dynamics Microscopist Dr. Jason Fowler, Applied Kinesiology w/ John Winstead, Rositer Massage w/ Clair Comber, Ionic Charge Machine w/ Marcia Swanberg, Soul Card Reading w/ Val DeLong, Migun Bed and Hand Machine w/ Carolanne, Acudetox w/ Marini, Crystal Healing w/ Kat, Hypnotherapy w/ Sherry Habib, Emotional Freedom Technique w/ Jan Luther's advanced students, Jin Shin Jyutsu w/ Jan Moeller, Tellington Touch for people w/ Christina Natichioni, Holistic Nail Care Services w/ Twila Adams, Avalon Light Effect Therapy w/ Carol Calvert, Reiki w/ Bill and Mae Yin

And you can look forward to tasting wines from the following:

Tryon Distributing, Empire Distributors, Millennium Beverage, World Premier Wines, Freedom Beverage Co., Country Vintner, WoodMill Winery, Dionysis Wine Distributors

Bring your friends and family! This will be our biggest Health and Wellness Fair yet! See you all Saturday!

Meatless Monday: Thai Basil Eggplant

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 eggplant, chopped

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

2 tbsp soy sauce
1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped

Directions

Saute the garlic in olive oil for about 2 minutes. Add eggplant, soy sauce and red pepper flakes and allow to cook for 3 to 5 more minutes.
Add the basil, stirring well, and cook for another minute, or until eggplant is done.
Serve over Jasmine Rice.

Getting Started on the Master Cleanse

It's a new year and a great time for a clean start! If your resolution is to get healthy or lose weight, you may consider starting with a whole body detox! The Master Cleanse, also known as the Lemonade Diet was created by Stanley Burroughs in 1941. This method has been used by many for years and has been steadily gaining in popularity. We have included the recipe below and we would be happy to put together a kit for you if you call ahead. Happy Cleansing!

Purpose
•To dissolve and eliminate toxins and congestion that has formed in any part of the body. •To cleanse the kidneys and the digestive system. •To purify the glands and cells throughout the entire body. •To eliminate all unusable waste and hardened material in the joints and muscles. •To relieve pressure and irritation in the nerves, arteries, and blood vessels. •To build a healthy blood stream. •To keep youth and elasticity regardless of our years.


When to Use It
•When sickness has developed - for all acute and chronic conditions •When the digestive system needs a rest and a cleansing. •When overweight has become a problem. •When better assimilation and building of body tissue is needed.


How Long and Often?
Follow the diet for a minimum of 10 days or more - up to 40 days and beyond may be safely followed for extremely serious cases. The diet has all the nutrition needed during this time. Three to four times a year will do wonders for keeping the body in a normal healthy condition. The diet may be undertaken more frequently for serious conditions.


How to Make Lemonade
•2 Tbsp lemon or lime juice (approx. 1/2 lemon) •2 Tbsp genuine maple syrup (not maple flavored sugar syrup) •1/10 Tsp cayenne pepper (red pepper) or to taste •Water, medium hot (spring or purified water) Combine the juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper in a 10 oz. glass and fill with medium hot water. (Cold water may be used if preferred.) Use fresh lemons or limes only, never canned lemon or lime juice nor frozen lemonade or frozen juice. Use organic lemons when possible.

Blend a part of the lemon skin and pulp with the lemonade in a blender for further cleansing and laxative effect. (Note: commercially procured lemons may have had their skins dyed with yellow coloring and may have been subjected to poisonous insect sprays - be sure to peel off the outer skin if you cannot get uncolored, organically grown lemons.) The properties in the lemon skin also act as a hemostatic to prevent excess bleeding and to prevent clotting internally should there be any such prevailing condition. (Don't worry - normal conditions will continue during the menstrual periods.) Adding the cayenne pepper is necessary as it breaks up mucus and increases warmth by building the blood for an additional lift. It also adds many of the B and C vitamins. Mint tea may be used occasionally during this diet as a pleasant change and to assist further in the cleansing. Its chlorophyll helps as a purifier, neutralizing many mouth and body odors that are released during the cleansing period. Read More

Stock Your Kitchen and Stick to Your Resolutions!

If you're like many, you may have resolved to eat healthy this year, lose weight and/or save money. A great way to do all of these things is to eat more meals at home. You will save bundles by not eating out and you will know exactly what is going into your body! The best way to get started is to have a well stocked kitchen. You may have the best intentions, but after a long day at work, it's easy to succumb to fast food temptation if preparing it yourself seems like too much work. If you always keep the staples and plenty of easy to prepare foods on hand, meals will be a breeze!  Guarantee better success and use Sundays to portion out your meals for the week. To make it easy on you, we have prepared a list of nutritious and reasonably priced foods to keep in your kitchen. Get creative, preparing meals can be fun and rewarding! There is nothing like the taste of a home cooked meal! Don't forget, if you work or go to school, you should be bringing your lunch as well! Please add in anything we missed in the comments.


Herbs and Spices
Salt and Pepper are a staple at almost every person's house, as they should be. Try Sea Salt and Peppercorns for the most nutrition and flavor. Other great spices to have on hand include Turmeric, Basil, Dried Chilis and/or Cayenne powder, Garlic powder, Celery Salt, Dill, Lemon Peel or Lemon Pepper, Paprika, Curry, Dry Mustard, Rosemary, Thyme, Cumin, Cinnamon and Ginger. In season, purchase fresh herbs, you can always dry any extra out for later use.


Oils and Vinegars
Always keep Extra Virgin Olive Oil on hand, it may seem expensive, but it actually breaks down to pennies per use. Avoid vegetables oils as they become rancid quickly and are highly processed, use Grapeseed Oil for sauteing. Coconut Oil is a great choice as it very healthy and shelf stable. For flavor try sesame or walnut oil. Balsamic Vinegar is extremely flavorful and great as a marinade or on salads. Apple Cider Vinegar is chock full of nutrients and can be used in numerous applications.


Grains
A must have in any kitchen is a stock of grains, buy them in bulk to save money and keep them in tightly sealed glass jars for maximum freshness. Brown rice is a must and Brown Basmati and Brown Jasmine rice are also good choices, along with the highly nutritious Quinoa, quick cooking Bulgar Wheat, Barley, Buckwheat, Whole Wheat Couscous and Steel Cut Oats for a hearty breakfast. Whole Wheat pastas cook quickly and leave lots of room for creativity.


Legumes
As with grains, buy beans and lentils in bulk and store appropriately. Legumes are inexpensive and an excellent source of protein, fiber and various vitamins and minerals. Lentils cook up quickly and Beans can be soaked overnight for quick cooking the following day. Both can be sprouted for added nutrition (research which can be eaten raw and which shouldn't)!


Nuts and Seeds
Again, buying in bulk is your best value. Nuts and seeds are also packed full of nutrients and healthy fats. Keep these on hand for snacking, add to salads, smoothies or breakfast grains. Flax Seeds are extremely popular and for good reason, they are full of heart and brain healthy Omegas and help with regularity! For best results, grind Flax just before usage.


Fruit
Keep lots of fruit on hand, dried, fresh and frozen! Keep fresh in-season fruits for easy snacking, juicing, smoothies, additions to breakfast grains, salads and desserts. Frozen fruits are good when your favorites are not in season and for quick smoothies making. Dried fruits have a long shelf life and can be used in many of the same ways as fresh fruit and are great added to nuts for a healthy snack. Bake fruit filled muffins and have breakfast all week long!


Vegetables
Staples to have on hand include Garlic, Onions, Potatoes, and Sweet Potatoes. Buy fresh in-season vegetables such as Mixed Greens, Kale, various kinds of Squash, Asparagus, Carrots, Celery and Green Beans. These veggies go a long way and can always be chopped and frozen for easy use later.


Proteins
Buy your meats and seafood once a week and use within the week or keep frozen. For vegetarians, it can be very handy to have frozen "beef" crumbles, "meatballs" and "chicken" strips on hand for various incarnations. A block of tofu or tempeh are also great additions.


Dairy
Eggs last a long time, cook quickly and provide lots of protein. Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan or Manchego, also last much longer than soft or shredded cheeses. Another important staple is Plain Yogurt, it contains the calcium and protein of dairy, but with the addition of probiotics or "friendly bacteria" which help with digestion and different types of infections. Plain yogurt can be used in place of sour cream, milk in some recipes and even frozen for a dessert-like treat! It's great anytime of the day!


Baking
If you enjoy baked goods, such as muffins, breads, cakes, etc, you should always keep Whole Wheat Flour, All Purpose Flour, Wheat Germ, Baking Soda, Baking Powder, raw Cacao powder, Vanilla Extract and Unrefined Sugar on hand. However, you can always substitute other natural sweeteners for sugar, such as Xylitol, Stevia, Molasses, Honey or Agave Nectar. Applesauce and Banana also make great sweetener substitutes!


Additional Staples
Hot Sauce, Nut Butters, Breadcrumbs, Jars of Sauces (Marinara, Pesto, Curries, Salsas etc.), Dried Mushrooms, Whole Grain Crackers, Olives, Broth (Veggie, Chicken, etc.), Low Sodium Tamari, Non-GMO Cornmeal, Cornstarch or Potato Starch, Whole Wheat Tortillas, Non-GMO popcorn kernels and frozen tortellini and/or ravioli.

Note: For those of you following a Gluten-Free Diet, we have an extensive selection of Gluten-Free items to replace any items above which may be restricted for you.

Meatless Monday: Winter Vegetable Hash

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
1/2 pound fresh shiitake mushrooms, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 small acorn squash, diced
1 shallot, finely chopped
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 pinch salt
1 pinch ground black pepper
1 cup chopped kale
4 sprigs fresh sage

Directions

1.Place oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Melt butter and mix in potatoes, mushrooms, pepper, squash, and shallot. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender.

2.Mix kale and sage into skillet. Continue cooking 5 minutes, until kale is wilted. Serve and enjoy!

New Year's Day Recipes for a Prosperous 2011

People all over the world celebrate each new year by eating meals which are said to bring luck and wealth. Get together with friends and family and try out these recipes in celebration of new beginnings! We at Healthy Home Market wish you all a happy and healthy 2011!

Spirits

These drinks don't necessarily bring luck or wealth, but they might bring happiness! They're also great for those who over-indulged on New Year's Eve! Drink responsibly.

Peach Ginger Bellini

Spicy Citrus Bloody Mary

Meal

Black Eyed Peas and lentils represent coins, collard greens represent paper money and cornbread represents gold; these foods are said to bring wealth. Pork represents progress and growth and is said to bring luck!

Black Eyed Peas

Sauteed Collard Greens

Hoppin' John

Lentils and Hot Sausage

Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread

Dessert

Ringed or round dessert eaten on New Year's Day symbolize coming full circle and completion of a year. Vasilopita is a Greek dessert with a quarter hidden inside. The person who receives the slice with the quarter inside will have a particularly lucky year.

Baked Whole Wheat Donuts
Vasilopita

If you don't think you will have it in you on New Year's Day, stop by Healthy Home Market and pick up some delicious prepared KW Collards, Eden Organic Black Eyed Peas, Cornbread from our deli and Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix. Better yet, ask our deli department to prepare something for you!

New Year's Eve Party Recipe Guide

Throwing a New Year's Eve party? Ring in the new year happily and healthily with these delicious recipes! Healthy Home Market wishes you a safe and happy New Year's Eve! Stay tuned for New Year's Day recipes!

Spirits

Mulled Wine

Limoncello Sparkle

Siren's Song
Beaujolais Cocktail

Party Foods

Stuffed Baby Bellas

Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Torta

Zucchini Poppers with Sour Cream Dip
Curried Scallop Cakes
Smoked Salmon Rollups with Dilled Lime Cream Cheese
Mustard-Glazed Pork Skewers
Pancetta-Wrapped Dates Stuffed w/ Manchego and Mint

Sweet Treats

Pistachio Torrone
Chocolate-Orange Pots de Creme with Candied Orange Peel
Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

Meatless Monday: Sloppy Fauxs

Ingredients

1 green pepper
1 tomato
1 onion
1 pkg. vegetarian ground round
1 cup water
3/4 cup nutritional yeast flakes
1 tsp. tamari or low-salt soy sauce
1 Tbsp. corn starch

Directions

1. Finely dice the green pepper, tomato, and onion and steam fry them in a small amount of water. Add the veggie ground round and heat through. Add spices or herbs as desired. Remove from the heat and add the sauce.
2. To make the sauce, bring the water to a low boil in a saucepan. Stir in the nutritional yeast flakes, tamari or soy sauce, and corn starch. Use more or less water to get the consistency that you desire.
3. Serve on a toasted bun and sprinkle with more nutritional yeast and pepper, if desired.

Tip: Add fresh diced jalepeno for a flavorful kick!

Meatless Monday: Shahi Paneer

Ingredients

2 tablespoons cooking oil

1 large onion, thinly sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
4 tomatoes, pureed
1/2 pound paneer, cubed
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon sugar
salt to taste
1/4 cup cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro


Directions


1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic in the hot oil until the onions are soft and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder over the onion and garlic; continue cooking until the seasonings are fragrant, about 30 seconds.
2. Pour the pureed tomatoes into the skillet; cook until the excess liquid evaporates and the oil separates, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the paneer, water, sugar, and salt to the mixture; stir gently so the paneer does not break apart. Cook until the paneer begins to absorb some of the liquid, about 10 minutes. Stir the cream into the mixture and simmer another 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro to serve.

Note: Excellent served on Jasmine rice.

Holiday Recipes from HHM!

The Holidays are upon! Whether you're cooking for a large gathering of family and/or friends, just you and your significant other or enjoying a quiet evening alone, we have put together a selection of delicious, sure to impress recipes for the main event! If you would prefer to take it easy this year, contact our deli department and order our prepared main courses and sides. Prime Rib, Spiral Sliced Ham and Harvest Berry Pies are on sale this month! HHM wishes you all a healthy and happy holiday!

Beverages

Four-Juice Holiday Punch
Homemade Cinnamon Hot Chocolate
Homemade Egg Nog

Appetizers

Roasted Chestnuts
Polenta Triangles

Mini Puff-Pastry Tartlets

Sides

Spinach, White Bean and Bacon Salad

Mustard Green Beans

Twice-Baked Potatoes with Veggies

Main Courses

Apple-and-Leek-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Spiral Stuffed Turkey Breast with Cider Gravy

Vegetarian Pine Nut and Carrot Loaf with Mushroom Sauce

Desserts

Wine-Poached Pears
White Chocolate and Cherry Bread Pudding
Cranberry-Pecan Tart

Meatless Monday: Pepper Jelly Cheese Spread

Ingredients

2 cups chopped Pecans
2 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese (or Vegan Cheese)
1 cup chopped Green Onions (white and green parts)
Mayonnaise (or Vegenaise) to taste
Pepper Jelly

Directions

Mix pecans, cheese and green onions with enough mayonnaise for a spreadable consistency (about 5 Tbsp.) Press into dish and refrigerate. Just before serving, spread with pepper jelly. Serve with crackers.

Meatless Monday: Vegan Swedish Meatballs

Ingredients

1 package Gimme Lean Ground Beef Style
1 package Gimme Lean Sausage Style
2 large onions (diced small)
4 medium portabello mushrooms (diced very small)
1.5 cups dried bread crumbs
3/4 cup rice or soy milk (or almond, hemp etc.)
2 cups soy creamer (ie. Silk)
4 tbl olive oil
3-4 tbl corn starch or flour
1 3/4 cups homemade No-chicken broth (or veg. broth)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp sea salt

Directions

1. In one bowl soak the bread crumbs with the rice milk and mix to soften.

2. Add half of the chopped onions, both types of Gimme Lean, salt, pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon.
3. Form into small 1 or 1.5 inch balls by rolling between your palms.
4. Brown the meatballs on all sides in a skillet with the olive oil.
5. Return meatballs to a large casserole dish or skillet (depends on whether you choose to bake or boil the sauce.)
6. In a separate sauce pan heat olive oil and fry the other half of the onions to soften them.
7. Add mushrooms and saute for two minutes.
8. Add soy cream and corn starch to thicken. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
9. Add No-Chicken Broth, a pinch of nutmeg, salt & pepper. Allow to thicken again.
10. Add to meatballs and simmer or bake for 15-20 minutes on low to medium-low heat.
11. Ladle over noodles and serve.

Note: If you try to avoid soy or are in a hurry, try Quorn Meatless Meatballs.

What Climate Change Means for Our Food Supply

The International Food Policy Research Institute issued a report this week at the annual UN Climate Conference in Cancun, Mexico stating that we can expect food prices to double by the year 2050, thanks to Climate Change. After 2050, climate scientists predict the temperature could raise as much as 11.5° above 20th century levels and the forecast for agriculture is "gloomy." The specialists said that they fed fifteen scenarios of population and income growth into supercomputer models of climate and found that "climate change worsens future human well-being, especially among the world's poorest people." IFPRI estimates that these skyrocketing prices could boost the global population of undernourished children by 20%, that's an additional 25 million children. Climate Change is already causing lower crop output in some areas. We are facing not only higher prices, but higher prices because we are facing a food shortage.

Scientists say that even if we were to completely eliminate greenhouse gasses today, we would still feel the effects for many years to come. Of course as we all know, unfortunately, complete elimination is going to be a long process. But this is just more encouragement for each of us to do our part in reducing our carbon footprint. We have to continue to buy local, reduce our energy consumption, ride our bikes, walk or take public transportation, make smart choices when purchasing, support eco-friendly companies, recycle, waste less, eat organic, cut down on or eliminate meat in our diets, purchase organic and free-range meats when purchasing meats, bring our own shopping bags and do everything that we as individuals can do to help lower our greenhouse gas emissions. It's up to the worlds governments to do the rest. Let them know that it is time for serious change! But, be sure to let them know that GMO's are not the answer!

Read the full article here.